News

Encouraging start to Premier Yearling Sale

3rd Mar 2019

A Brazen Beau colt stole the limelight early on Day 1 of the Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, becoming the second-most expensive yearling ever sold in Victoria.

Orbis Bloodstock paid $800,000 for the colt (ex Up In Lights), edging out Newgate Farm’s Henry Field in a stunning bidding duel for the Bhima Thoroughbreds offering.

The early action set the scene for the day, where a huge crowd attended the opening of the new-look Oaklands Junction, creating some great theatre throughout the afternoon.

Orbis Bloodstock’s Paul King had one simple instruction when it came to bidding on the top lot – don’t stop.

“This was the best colt in the sale and we wanted to take the best home with us, and we’re doing that so we’re very happy,’’ King said.

“The Brazen Beaus are going really well on the track, this colt is so athletic yet so calm and has taken all this attention in his stride so well.

“Did I think I’d have to go to $800,000 to get him? No. But was I going to get him no matter what? Yes.’’

The colt (pictured) will be trained by Hawkes Racing.

Mike Fleming, of Bhima Thoroughbreds, wasn’t expecting such a high price for the colt, who was offered on behalf of client David Gillies.

“I’ve never bought a horse to a sale that has improved so much each day as the week has gone on,’’ Fleming said.

“This colt is an exceptional individual. He was extremely popular all week with parades so we were confident we would get him sold well, but to reach $800,000, wow, that certainly was well above expectation.’’

In reaching $800,000, the colt became the highest-priced Brazen Beau ever sold.

There are a further 13 progeny of Brazen Beau to be offered at the Premier Yearling Sale over the next three days.

The day’s second-top lot was a Vancouver colt (ex Epingle) from Gilgai Farm, which John Foote bought for $540,000.

Yulong Investments purchased the day’s third-top lot, a Brazen Beau x Beautiful Pleasure filly from Blue Gum Farm, for $420,000.

Today’s action ended with an increased average ($125,511) and median ($100,000) and a clearance rate of 77%.

Inglis’ Victorian Bloodstock Manager Simon Vivian was encouraged by the Day 1 action.

“There was some exceptional competition at the top of the market and there’s also plenty of chances to buy at the middle to lower end of the market, giving all sections of the buying bench an opportunity to strike,’’ Vivian said.

“Plenty of buyers found outstanding value throughout the day and competition was very strong for the highly sought after lots, which you would expect.

“There was a fantastic vibe and atmosphere at Oaklands today for the first yearling sale at the renovated complex and I look forward to that being the case over the next three days as well.’’

To view the full Day 1 statistics, CLICK HERE.

To view our Inglis TV story on the Fast Track Program developed by Thoroughbred Breeders Australia, CLICK HERE.

To view the Facebook Live end of day review show, CLICK HERE.

To enquire about a Passed In Lot from today’s action, contact Matt Scown from the Inglis Bloodstock division on 0481 989 661.

Day 2 action begins at 11am tomorrow, Monday March 4.

To view the catalogue, CLICK HERE.

The remaining three days of the 2019 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale will again be broadcast live at inglis.com.au as well on the Inglis Facebook Page.

Online Bidding and Make An Offer services will again be available.

DAY 1 STATISTICS

Lots sold: 135

Clearance Rate: 77%

Average Price: $125,511

Median Price: $100,000

Top Price: $800,000

Gross: $16,944,000